John Prescott fires out punchlines in Have I Got News for You hotseat

He is known for his refusal to pull any punches but John Prescott becomes the victim of a few punchlines during Have I Got News for You.

The former deputy prime minister takes the host's chair for the first time on the BBC1 news quiz tonight.

Challenged by panellist Ian Hislop about his elevation to the House of Lords, the former boxer and merchant seaman jests: "You can't call me Lord Prescott yet. So don't kneel now, kneel later."

Hislop fires back: "I bet you say that to all the girls."

After fluffing a line, Liverpool stand up comedian John Bishop advises the fledgling quiz master: "You should do panto."

But the Labour warhorse dryly replies: "I've been doing it for the last 40 years."

Bishop says: "The only reason I've been booked is so they could put a Scouser between you two for a bit of balance."

But alluding to Mr Prescott's famous rumble in Rhyl with a mullet-wearing egg thrower, Hislop jibes: "No, you've only been booked to take the first punch."

Have I Got News for You airs tonight at 9pm on BBC1.